Flyweight star Velimurad Alkhasov has new goal: BRAVE CF’s bantamweight world title
The sambo world champion makes his bantamweight debut on June 19 with an eye on the 135-pound belt.
Velimurad Alkhasov (8-1) has walked a long journey with BRAVE Combat Federation, and the Russian still has unfinished business within the most-global MMA organization, as he gets ready to make his bantamweight return at BRAVE CF 71, June 19, against Nicholas Hwende (6-0), the African MMA champion at 135 pounds.
In 2018, Alkhasov impressed BRAVE CF matchmakers when he dominated the highly-skilled 27-fight veteran Sean Santella at BRAVE CF 14. That performance warranted the former Russian flyweight champion a spot in the inaugural BRAVE CF flyweight title fight, where he would meet Brazil’s Marcel Adur at BRAVE CF 18.
The build-up to that night in Manama, Bahrain, had gathered global traction, and Alkhasov proved once again that he was the man to beat in the 125-pound stable, as the former combat sambo world champion shone in all areas, grinding his way to another unanimous decision victory. That win, however, would always remain a bittersweet moment for Alkhasov, as he was ineligible for the title due to him missing weight – something he’s never done since in his professional mixed martial arts career.
Alkhasov received another shot at the prestigious Flyweight title at the BRAVE CF flyweight tournament. The man grabbed the opportunity with both hands, securing wins over Adur’s compatriot Flavio de Queiroz and USA’s Zach Makovsky in the quarters and semifinals, respectively, to book a place in the finals against Russia’s Ali Bagautinov. It was an opportunity for the uncrowned champion to redeem himself and claim his title after letting it slip by in his last championship fight.
Sadly, Bagautinov’s world came to a grinding halt at the news of his son’s passing – a devastating time for the Russian. Bagautinov has since been on indefinite leave, and the promotion – out of respect for the mourning Russian – has put the flyweight tournament on hold.
With that said, Alkhasov has shifted his energy to the bantamweight division with an eye on the 135-pound strap until his long-awaited flyweight championship bout is available. After eight wins and only one loss, Alkhasov will make his bantamweight debut knowing a win will mean a world title shot for him at 135 pounds.